Reformist Pezeshkian wins in Iran's presidential runoff
NPR Online NewsJul 06
Masoud Pezeshkian Elected Iran's President
The Facts
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, a former heart surgeon turned lawmaker, was declared Iran's new president on Saturday after defeating conservative Saeed Jalili in a presidential runoff.
According to election officials, Pezeshkian secured 53.7% of the vote with 16.4M ballots in his favor, while Jalili received 13.5M of the votes.
The Spin
Narrative A
While there are question marks about how much he can achieve, Pezeshkian's election could see a more pluralistic Iran where repression is eased and the country has healthier ties with the West, including the possibility that Iran will better engage in nuclear discussions.
Narrative B
Pezeshkian's victory will create little change in Iran. Despite his campaign promises, the country is still controlled by the Islamic theocracy of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his cast of conservative hardliners. Pezeshkian has vowed not to challenge the existing structures.